Fuel tanker drivers have notified Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) about their intention to stage a sit-in from April 15 to push for resolution of their outstanding grievances.
Among others, the drivers, under the Bulk Vehicle Operators Trade Union, are complaining about prolonged delays at loading ports in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania as well as Nacala and Beira in Mozambique where they claim they stay up to two months.
In a letter seen by The Nation, the strike will include all tankers on both local and international assignments.
The letter, signed by the union’s general secretary, Mathews Sibale, reads in part: “This decision follows unresolved grievances affecting Malawian tanker drivers.
“As the statutory regulator of energy operations, Mera is requested to intervene immediately to facilitate a sustainable solution.”
Transporters Association of Malawi director Frank Banda also in an interview yesterday confirmed that the drivers sent them a letter notifying truck owners of the impending strike.
The union’s chairperson Boko Mkandawire said that drivers sometimes wait up to two months to load fuel, while foreign drivers load more frequently.
“We run out of allowances and food. Sometimes we end up asking for money from home, which is a form of hardship,” he said.
Mkandawire said depending on their employers, drivers receive allowances ranging between K250 000 and K400 000, which is not enough to cater for their needs for that long in a foreign country.
In a brief WhatsApp response, Mera public relations and consumer affairs manager Fitina Khonje said said the regulator was engaging the transporters and importers.
On March 24 this year, the energy regulator issued a statement updating the public on fuel supply, saying the country had sufficient fuel stocks at various ports, in transit and within the country.
However, Mera also highlighted “temporary interruptions” due to logistical challenges and delays in shipment as well as port and border clearance issues which were being addressed.
